Saints' turnaround makes Lattimore easy pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year

The football world became accustomed to two things from the New Orleans Saints in recent years: a high-flying offense that puts up a ton of points, and a defense that often appears uninterested, allowing an astonishing amount of yardage and points.

In the 2017 season, things changed in a big way for the NFC South club. Sure, the offense remained strong with Drew Brees supported by a dominant rushing attack, but the defense is no longer a laughingstock.

A great deal of that change can be attributed to the decision to draft Marshon Lattimore with the 11th pick last year.

The rookie cornerback out of Ohio State has been a revelation in his opening season, transforming a defense that was downright awful against the pass to one that ranks among the league's top 10.

Lattimore's impact on that pass defense can be best appreciated by looking at opponents' passing stats against New Orleans over the last few years.

Lattimore led all rookies with five interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He also led rookie defensive players with 18 passes broken up, and showed his willingness to contribute in run defense with 52 tackles. He essentially locked down his side of the field, and didn't allow a single touchdown to be scored in his coverage over the entire season.

Nobody doubted Lattimore's talent coming into the NFL, but even his teammates were surprised by just how productive he was right away.

"I don't think anybody expected it to be this good," Rafael Bush told the Associated Press. "It changes the dynamic of the defense. We don't have to roll the coverages toward him and give him help."

Lattimore won Rookie of the Month twice this season, and was the fifth-highest rated cornerback in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. It's not just his teammates that are noticing his impact - some of the league's best at the position heaped praise on him too.

"To be a rookie, to be the first year, and have the high confidence, it's amazing," Minnesota Vikings star Xavier Rhodes told Nick Underhill of The Advocate. "He's going to be one of the best."

To win any award in the NFL, a player needs a shining moment, and Lattimore's came against the division rival Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. The 6-foot, 195-pounder made a miraculous interception, pinning the ball against his backside as he laid on the ground.

With fellow rookie Marcus Williams, cornerback Ken Crawley, and safety Vonn Bell all in the early stages of their careers, the Saints' secondary has morphed from a glaring weaknesses into what projects as a long-term strength. Should that upward trajectory continue, don't be shocked if a number of awards eventually come their way.

The first one, at least, won't take long, as Lattimore should be an easy pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year when the NFL hands out hardware Feb. 3.